Meet the Millionaires Next Door
Darrow Kirkpatrick
Age: mid 50s
Occupation: Blogger at caniretireyet.com, former software company engineer and ex-Navy
How he became a millionaire: Darrow didn’t begin seriously saving and investing until his mid-30’s and he was still able to retire by age 50. He claims to have done so by working hard, being frugal, prudent investing and having patience.
Click here to listen to the interview with Darrow
Luann Abrams
Age: 40
Occupation: Now a stay-at-home wife, formerly aerospace engineer
How she became a millionaire: She’s a self-described “saver,” who doesn’t enjoy shopping. She maxed out her retirement accounts and lived well below her means. She actually shaved $700 a month off her budget by calling her various creditors and billers and asking for discounts. Two years ago she and her husband hit the $1mil mark, and are almost 2/3 of the way to the second million. And now that she and her husband have made it this far, her husband was able to quit his job and work in his dream start-up.
Click here to listen to the interview with Luann
Jeremy Jacobson and Winnie Tseng
Age: 38
Occupation: Personal finance blogger at gocurrycracker.com
How they became millionaires: Jeremy and his wife Winnie considered themselves two normal people from lower income families who were chasing the American Dream. Unhappy, they made a decision to sell their home and car and began saving 70%+ of their income. Within 10 years, they found themselves earning financial independence and said goodbye to working from 9-5. Now they travel the world and live on $4,000 a month while having multiple millions invested in index funds.
Click here to listen to the interview with Jeremy and Winnie
Julie Rains
Ag: 54
Occupation: freelance writer
How she became a millionaire: Julie took advantage of employee benefits (retirement plans, profit sharing plans, health benefits, etc.). She researched financial issues and consulted professionals, and saved and invested early. And she adds, “We don’t drive luxury cars or designer clothes.”
Click here to listen to the interview with Julie
Jeff Johnson
Ages: Mid-late 30s
Occupation: Jeff works at a pharmaceutical company and his wife amanda Amanda worked as a staff psychologist at a local college before taking a leave of absence to raise their now 2 year old son.
How he became a millionaire: They’ve been tracking their spending since 1996 and began saving for retirement as soon as they began working. (Jeff opened his first bank account at 9 years old, and his IRA at 18 years old).
Click here to listen to the interview with Jeff